THE SENEGAMBIAN JAZZ BAND
Jazz/World/Fusion
Melbourne Australia
It is nearly impossible to describe in words, a world act that covers so much ground in a single performance. Trying to explain their musical spirit is like trying to paint an ethereal and intensely beautiful dream. Some clues reside in the band’s heritage. Their members, hailing from Gambia, Senegal, Ethiopia and Australia somewhat convey a groove characteristic of each of their cultural backgrounds, although their places of birth and artistic development only provide us with a clue into the underlying foundations in which this empire was built.
Constructed around the framework of jazz and a deep world beat, elements of their music seem to combine the improvisational spirit, found at the core of 1960s Miles Davis and wild raging fire of Jimi Hendrix at his most free, unorthodoxed and true.
Before you ask, that instrument leading the band is a Kora (African Harp) diligently played by the virtuosic Amadou Suso. Originally made by Susos forefather. Passed from father to son for 760 years, Suso proudly carries the Kora flame. That’s pretty much as roots as it gets! Joined by Steve Allingham (Drum Kit) Yoseph Bekele (Bass Guitar), Boubacar Gaye (Djembe/Conga) and Tom Benson (Saxophone) some unique kind of world/jazz/afro/funk fusion music ensues.
Often, it is said that good art makes you think about the artist but great art makes you think about yourself. Audiences of The Senegambian Jazz Band can always be found on the dance floor in a blissful internal trancelike state, inspired and free, or linking arms, bellowing lyrics in languages from the heart of Africa.
With their soon to be released debut album, The Senegambian Jazz Band are fast becoming known as one of Australia’s most progressive roots/world music acts.
MEMBERS:
Amadou Suso: Kora/Vocals
Yoseph H. Bekele: Bass
Steve Allingham: Drums
Saxophone: Tom Benson
Percussion: Boubacar Gaye
Guitar: Luke Kozanski